The role of consciousness and the observer in quantum mechanics has long been debated by those on both sides of the proverbial fence. Many physicists believe the subject of consciousness does not belong in hard physics; others think you cannot describe the quantum theory fully without making mention of it, at the very least. Both arguments are understandable.

Quantum Enigma offers some solid, well-researched discussion on how it just may be impossible to avoid linking the two for much longer, because the authors here tackle the matter with much to back up their claims in the way of hard science. This examination of the biggest quantum mystery, the role of the conscious observer, is both enlightening and entertaining, and pretty easy to read for those of you with little background in the QP world.

The authors, both with backgrounds in physics, do a great service by writing about a very complex subject in a style that is really quite accessible to the novice. They first examine the key discoveries in quantum physics that suggest some “spooky actions” and that hint at the role of the observer as key to defining reality. We get a good basic education on relativity theory, gravity, et al, but we also get introduced to the more intriguing aspects of the quantum world, namely entanglement and non-locality, and soon the authors are giving us solid examples of why consciousness should at least enter into the discussion.

Though they pretty much blanket right over any relations to paranormal and psi phenomena and quantum physics, giving it only a paragraph or two with no references at all to the many researchers (many of them physicists) working on lab experiments involving these “spookier” actions, they do play fair when it comes to standing a little more out there on the boundaries of hard science. They clearly feel that the quantum enigma and the controversy over consciousness deserves real study, a position others in their field may not be bold enough to yet take.

Clearly, nobody really knows anything for sure when it comes to consciousness, and as far as the quantum world goes, reality is only as good as the theory of the day. And these guys know that theories, like reality, are always changing. Quantum Enigma is a book that answers many questions, yet, like any good book should, raises even more.